Journey ahead excites Grade Ones

January 17 marked the start of the 2024 academic calendar. It’s a notable date for many parents and foundation learners who look forward to starting their academic careers at various schools.

Parents had a hectic morning preparing their children for school before heading to work. They wanted to ensure their children found their classes and were ready to learn, especially the first-time learners starting school in a new environment.

Mom Sibongile Malinga and dad Zweli Thwala accompanied Mpiloenhle Malinga (six) to Chivirikani Primary School (CPS) in Katlehong.

Malinga said she wants to be a physiotherapist to help people who cannot walk or use their hands.

Her mother said they were prepared for the young star’s journey because they had bought stationery and finished covering books.

“I am happy my girl is all grown. I am ready to be her teacher at home and help her with homework. I want her to study and be happy like other children,” said Sibongile.

Thwala said he was happy about the first day of a great future and new opportunities.

“Fortunately, she has siblings in Grades Eight and Nine who will help her with homework. I am just happy she won’t be at home finishing our food,” said Thwala as he laughed.

Moleboheng Gunxa from Palm Ridge accompanied her son, Hopewell Mashele, who started Grade One at CPS.
“I am extremely excited that my son is going to school. I hope for the best because they say CPS offers a good education, so we hope for good results. Time will tell,” said Gunxa.

She said the only thing she was uncertain about was the school environment. She does not know how the schooler transport operates, but since the school was recommended to her, she believes her son will have a great journey.

Mashele said he wants to be a firefighter. He said he is happy to go to school, will listen to the teachers and pass his grades.

Buccie Mangwane queued outside CPS with her son, Jaden Mthethwa, waiting to be allocated a classroom.
“My son is starting Grade One. We are waiting for the school to place him in a classroom and call us in. My son is six and extremely thrilled to start school.”

While other parents queued for their children to be allocated to classes, some had the headache of late registration.

Andria Mabota desperately hoped to get a space for her seven-year-old niece Anna Mabota, who is starting Grade One.

According to Mabota, Anna attended school in Mpumalanga but could not finish Grade R last year because her grandmother died.

She went to Buyisonto Primary School from January to September before moving to Gauteng to continue her education.

“I came to CPS to look for space on January 16. I was told she will have to start at Grade R. But I brought the transfer from her previous school, so I hope the principal can assist us,” said Mabota.

According to the principal at CPS, Chris Maluleka, the school has prepared everything for learners, and they are ready to start teaching. However, they still have to attend to late registrations.